“For Sweden and Finland, the question of NATO accession is one that will persist for at least as long as tensions between Russia and the West endure as a part of what some are calling the “Cold War 2.0.” Regardless, Sweden and Finland should not make decisions on the future of their military alliances and other cooperative security measures based solely on fears of Russian reprisal. To do so would be to deny their own sovereignty and reward Russia’s disregard for the external and internal sovereignty of other countries.”

“In an era of "softened sovereignty", countries in the European Union no longer have the absolute monopoly of political authority and coercion inside their own borders. European member states currently face a triple challenge to their authority. The first challenge comes from regional and local authorities at the sub-state level. The second challenge is posed by the European Union itself as a supranational organization with legislative and judicial powers. Finally, large corporations, international capital markets, and other-non state actors currently have a crucial role in influencing EU regulation and national-level decision-making.”

“To make sense of Catalonia’s adopted freedom fighter status, it might help to consider a broader context. Catalonia’s attempt at secession is not unique. Numerous regions across Europe have clamored for independence, and it is worth considering these cases in light of the recent events in Catalonia. Wales, one of such regions, offers a counterexample to Catalonia.”

“The integration of EU member defense institutions will improve security across Europe, but can only be accomplished through doctrinalization and subsidization from within. With effective consensus between European partners, a robust subsidy regime will likely follow. But it must move quickly. Europe’s ability to depend on its transatlantic partner has not faced this much uncertainty since 1939. The only certainty: Russia is watching and biding its time. To secure itself against this eastern threat, Europe must push forward its defense development with or without NATO.”

This week’s headlines include Angela Merkel’s announcement that she will step down as German Chancellor, new developments regarding the European economy and Brexit, and new anti-populist exhibitions in Central and Eastern Europe.

This week’s headlines include stalled Brexit talks, a devastating loss for Angela Merkel in Bavarian elections, a new free trade deal between the EU and Singapore, and controversy over a shredded Banksy work.